When Nintendo revealed StreetPass, it felt like a glimpse of the future. The ability to effortlessly share data with other 3DS owners was a forward-thinking novelty and to this very day we can't help but get excited when we see that flashing green light on our console.

Nintendo made the whole process a little bit easier by introducing Nintendo Zones which acted as relay stations, so StreetPasses would accumulate in one location and users could visit and collect several hits at once.

At one point in the UK, branches of mobile operator O2 and fast food restaurant McDonald's acted as relay points, but now the number of Nintendo Zone partners in the United Kingdom is down to just one: high street video game specialist GAME.

This alliance makes a lot of sense given Nintendo's focus on games, but it naturally reduces your chances of getting a big helping of hits - especially if you happen to live in a part of the UK where GAME doesn't have a store.

The 3DS is getting on a bit now so it's hardly surprising that the whole Nintendo Zone concept is being phased out, but it feels like the end of an era for us at Nintendo Life. We've got very fond memories of visiting our local McDonald's and sitting in the parking lot soaking up those sweet, sweet StreetPass hits (while waiting for our Super Mario Happy Meal, of course).

Have you noticed that GAME is now the only Nintendo Zone partner? Do you think we'll see Nintendo Zones revived when NX is launched, assuming it has some kind of portable element? Let us know by posting a comment below.

Damien has over a decade of professional writing experience under his belt, as well as a repulsively hairy belly. Rumours that he turned down a role in The Hobbit to work on Nintendo Life are, to the best of our knowledge, completely and utterly unfounded.